Air Compressor Help Needed

[rf065]

I've checked the manufacturers site which was a waste of time, so I'm posting here as I'm more likely to get an answer to my problem.

I've got a Clarke Ranger air compressor that sits in the garage. It is the type that pressurises the tank and then switches off, and it will switch on again when the air pressure in the tank drops.

Recently it has refused to switch off and the pump runs until it reaches 8 bar and the safety valve opens. The safety valve shuts again when the tank is down to 6 bar, but the pump is still running and it goes back to 8 bar and so on. Any ideas? Can I fix it myself or where do air compressors go to for repair?

Russ

 

[Jay Gee]

There must be a pressure switch in the motor live feed-Iwould think that this is sticking.Locate it and try some gentle 'persuasion'

 

[television]

You should see the sensor that switches it off, and this can easily be replaced, its often just built into the switchgear mounted on the tank

 

[Jay Gee]

Russ,have you tried http://www.clarkeservice.co.uk

 

[rf065]

Thanks guys, I think I'll take the plastic cover off see if I can see the pressure switch & take it from there. I'll leave that till tomorrow, been out in the garage all afternoon and it is freezing out there.

Thanks for the site address for service & repair, no mention of my problem on it but may come in handy anyway.

Russ

 

[PeterCLK]

I'm not technical but have used plenty of air compressors over the years (factory environment). In most towns there is usually a compressor specialist who repairs and supplies.
I found that it's often cheaper (and safer) to buy a new one as the smaller ones don't cost that much.

 

[djb]

pressure switch

before you spend money,the switches often are adjustable for their cut off / cut in pressures.

 

[rf065]

before you spend money,the switches often are adjustable for their cut off / cut in pressures.

Thanks for that, just went out and removed the plastic cover and saw the switch adjuster with plus & minus markings on it. The switch appears to have been stuck open, so now working as it should. Also took the opportunity to turn the pressure down to 5 bar as it was way to high just for blowing tyres up.

As always, the knowledge of this forum is second to none, thanks guys.

Russ

 

[Aussie Nick]

I know this is surplusage but the best compressor I know of and use is a 3hp Mcmillan compressor with the three cylinder Fu Sheng motor.
Operates like a dream and smooth as a Merc.

 

[television]

I know this is surplusage but the best compressor I know of and use is a 3hp Mcmillan compressor with the three cylinder Fu Sheng motor.
Operates like a dream and smooth as a Merc.

That will be a hydrovane pump and silent

 

[television]

Thanks for that, just went out and removed the plastic cover and saw the switch adjuster with plus & minus markings on it. The switch appears to have been stuck open, so now working as it should. Also took the opportunity to turn the pressure down to 5 bar as it was way to high just for blowing tyres up.

As always, the knowledge of this forum is second to none, thanks guys.

Russ

Good one Russ,, and at least the post did not get blown up out of all proportion

 

[Aussie Nick]

I want to attach a photo but cant seem to. Ok how do ido it.I went to manage attachments and clicked on it and nothing happened

 

[rf065]

Good one Russ,, and at least the post did not get blown up out of all proportion

Nice one Malcolm.

Aussie Nick, I use photobucket for posting photos.

Russ

 

[Aussie Nick]

This is a photo. I hope it comes up.The ****** computer had blocked popups for this site

 

[PeterCLK]

My Hydrovane looked nothing like that.
Was not silent but reasonably quiet.
Problem is that the branch of Health & Safety known as your commercial insurer makes you have the receiver checked every year (after 3years old) at a cost of £200+ (3 years ago.)